Golfing oases everywhere
With overnighters taboo earlier in the year, it came as a welcome relief finally to be able to travel a little further for golf. Early trips were mainly Golf Monthly-related, but I also managed an off-duty visit to Cheshire with a handful of friends from my home club, Tandridge. We went to visit a friend and fellow member who has migrated there and played a couple of courses new to me, the first of which was The Mere. This tree-lined James Braid design is perfectly enjoyable and concludes with a tumultuous four holes that will thrill as many golfers as they confound. For the record, I am in the latter camp.
The following day, we headed over to the excellent Harry Colt design at Stockport.
This was a real find – a very strong, consistent and well-presented layout with plenty of fine holes, including a particularly memorable trio of par 4s from the 13th. This struck me as a very friendly club and when I looked at the map I realised there are many other high-calibre courses in the area. I am already looking forward to going back for more.
Did you know? The driving range at The Mere is actually a picturesque lake where you get to use floating golf balls.